Rams Notes: Leonard back to back up Jackson

Sunday

Sep 28, 2008 at 12:01 AMSep 28, 2008 at 4:59 PM

Running back BRIAN LEONARD, who missed the first three games of the season while recuperating from a shoulder injury, is expected to see his first regular-season action today against the visiting Buffalo Bills.

HAL PILGER

Running back BRIAN LEONARD, who missed the first three games of the season while recuperating from a shoulder injury, is expected to see his first regular-season action today against the visiting Buffalo Bills.

Leonard will reprise his 2007 role of No. 1 backup to starter STEVEN JACKSON following the injury last Sunday to ANTONIO PITTMAN, who suffered a cracked fibula during a special teams play against Seattle.

Pittman is expected to be out at least four to six weeks.

Leonard filled in for Jackson a few times last season. He rushed for 102 yards on 18 carries against the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 7.

RAMS RIDDLE: Just over a year ago, quarterback MARC BULGER — who has been benched for today’s game in favor of veteran TRENT GREEN — became the highest-paid player in Rams history. What were the terms of his contract extension? Answer below.

STARTER TO DEPARTER: In another big move, the Rams released starting cornerback FAKHIR BROWN on Wednesday morning and signed free agent defensive back JASON CRAFT, a 10-year veteran most recently with the New Orleans Saints, to replace him on the roster. The Saints had released Craft on Sept. 16.

Brown, who signed a five-year, $12 million free agent deal in 2006, was suspended the first four games of last season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, but Rams coach SCOTT LINEHAN denied the move was related to any off-field issues. Brown has been hampered by a shoulder injury he sustained early in training camp this summer.

LINEHAN ON AVERY: Speedy rookie receiver DONNIE AVERY was in for about two dozen plays at Seattle and finished with three catches for 24 yards.

“Not bad for his first game; (he) played fast, was confident,” Linehan was quoted on stlouisrams.com. “You could tell really it was his first ball game playing.

“I’d like to see him play more. He does bring that element of speed and play-making ability to the field. You can see it. Hopefully he can help put points on the board.”

HOLDOUT HURT: It has been obvious Jackson’s training camp holdout has hampered his offensive ability through the first three games. Sunday at Seattle, he had his best offensive production, but it was far from what the Rams need — and expect — from their highly paid running back.

Jackson rushed for 66 yards on 23 carries and added 62 yards on five receptions. But averaging fewer than 3 yards per rush isn’t going to get the Rams moving down field. According to Linehan, Jackson is still working to get his legs under him a bit.

“He’s in his third or fourth week, which is the middle of August for most of us, so he’s coming around. He looked more comfortable in the system this week than he did the week before or the week before that — but nobody is playing perfect right now, that’s for sure.”

Jackson, who has been dealing with a sore groin this week, turned in the Rams’ longest offensive play of the season in the third quarter — a 50-yard catch and run. But he didn’t return on that drive and didn’t get much accomplished in the remainder of the game.

“I think he was a little winded after that,” Linehan noted. “I think that’s probably fair. He’ll get closer and closer each week to getting there.”

LOOK AT LOOKER: Wide receiver DANE LOOKER, who is from the Seattle area, had only one reception last Sunday, but he made it count for a 21-yard touchdown — the Rams’ only trip into the end zone against the Seahawks.

It also was Looker’s first touchdown catch since Oct. 19, 2003 against Green Bay, when he scored on a 20-yard reception.

“It was basically the same play, but it turned out a little different this time,” Looker said. “The defense kind of sucked down. I think they recognized the play, so I made an adjustment and went over the top of the linebackers.”

OTHER INJURIES: Receivers DREW BENNETT (foot) and KEENAN BURTON (hamstring) remain a minimum of two weeks away from returning.

Left tackle ORLANDO PACE, who left Sunday’s game late because of a mildly strained groin, is probable. Defensive end LEONARD LITTLE and guard JACOB BELL appeared closer to a return after sitting out a second consecutive week with hamstring injuries.

EARLY DISASTERS: The Rams have been outscored a composite 38-0 in the first quarters of their first three games and have been outscored 61-12 in first-half action. Their only two touchdowns — on passes to TORRY HOLT and Looker — have come in the second half.

RIDDLE RESPONSE: During training camp last year, Bulger signed a six-year deal that pays him an average of $10.83 million per season, with $27 million guaranteed.

END QUOTE: Bulger, a few hours after signing his big deal last year: “I’m entering my seventh season here, and I know that I can finish my career here in St. Louis. I love living here; I call it home now. And playing for Coach Linehan’s been great.”

Hal Pilger can be reached at 788-1548.

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